Omanghana
The Economic Community of West African States has encouraged border communities, traders and transport operators to take full advantage of regional protocols that allow the free movement of people, goods and services.
The call was made during a high-level dialogue and public sensitization program held at the Akanu-Noepe Joint Border Post, a strategic crossing between Ghana and Togo along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor.
The engagement brought together border officials, transporters, cross-border traders and local authorities from Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria.
Vice President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mrs. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja, said effective implementation of the free movement protocol was essential for expanding regional trade, investment, tourism and economic opportunities within border communities.
She noted that although ECOWAS has established policies to facilitate movement across member states, many citizens continue to encounter administrative obstacles, unnecessary checkpoints and lengthy delays.
Such barriers increase transportation and business costs while limiting the ability of citizens to benefit fully from regional integration.
The dialogue therefore focused on converting ECOWAS policies into practical improvements at border crossings. Officials discussed ways of reducing duplicated procedures, strengthening coordination among border agencies and making travel more predictable.
Special attention was given to women and young entrepreneurs, who constitute a substantial share of informal and small-scale cross-border traders.
ECOWAS officials said faster and safer border processes would reduce transaction costs, limit uncertainty and improve the livelihoods of people who depend on regional trade.
Participants were also educated on mechanisms introduced to facilitate movement along the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor, which handles a significant share of West Africa’s commercial activity.
These include the ECOWAS National Biometric Identity Card, the SIGMAT customs transit system and the continued development of joint border posts to prevent travelers and traders from undergoing duplicated administrative procedures.
Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu North, Rev. Martin Amenaki, welcomed the initiative and called for sustained public education on regional movement protocols.
He said greater awareness would help travelers and traders understand their rights, meet border requirements and move more easily between ECOWAS member states.
Source: Omanghana
